In some river basins, e.g. the Elbe river basin, increasing flood risk drives strengthening of flood protection systems by structural means, with detrimental effects to riparian and aquatic ecosystems [3.2].

The Alps could be one of the regions most affected by increase in year-to-year variability in summer climates and thus a higher incidence of heat waves and droughts. Mediterranean droughts would start earlier in the year and last longer [12.3.1.2.].

WWF contact

Regine Guenther

Climate Witnesses

People observing climate change and supporting climate solutions in Germany:

Dr. Georg Sperber is a German forester and has documented the dramatic consequences of warmer temperatures for spruce trees in the “Steigerwald” forest in Bavaria. These trees are the backbone of the German forest industry, and they are suffering more and more from bark beetle attacks, putting the forest industry at risk.